Charlotte Girl
SHAHR-luht
“free man” · French
#2
Francisca
GirlSpanish, Portuguese· “feminine of Francis, Frenchman”
- Meaning
- feminine of Francis, Frenchman
- Origin
- Spanish, Portuguese
- Pronunciation
- fran-SIS-kuh
- Syllables
- 3
- US rank 2025
- #2,969
- US babies 2025
- 56
- Best rank
- #482 (1902)
- Peak year
- 1928
Meaning and origin of Francisca
Francisca is a Spanish and Portuguese name that means “feminine of Francis, Frenchman”.
Francisca is the Spanish and Portuguese feminine of Francisco, from Latin Franciscus, "Frenchman." Its spread owes most to Saint Francis of Assisi, and the feminine form was carried by Saint Frances of Rome and later by Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini, who worked among Italian immigrants in the United States. In English it is said fran-SIS-kuh; in Spanish it is closer to frahn-SEES-kah. Relatives include Frances, Francesca and Françoise. Spanish speakers use Paca, Paquita and Panchita as pet forms, and Frankie or Cisca suits English-speaking families.
Popularity over time
Francisca first appears in US Social Security records in 1882. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 86 different years, starting in 1882. Its best national rank was #482 in 1902, and the most babies received it in 1928, when 198 were named Francisca. In 2025, 56 babies were named Francisca, and it ranked #2,969 nationally. That is 30% more than ten years earlier, so it is clearly on the rise.
Its national rank moved from #584 in 1920, #895 in 1950, #903 in 1980, #1,711 in 2000, #3,223 in 2010, and #2,969 in 2025. Of the 12,582 US girls named Francisca since records began, 13% were born in the 1920s, its biggest decade. The 1980s come next, with 1,385 babies. Since 2010, 801 more have been named Francisca.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Petra, Ardis, Pearline, Belva, and Vilma.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Francisca ranked highest in California and Texas.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| California | #2159 | 9 |
| Texas | #2481 | 8 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Francisca is usually pronounced fran-SIS-kuh, with three syllables. It has nine letters, starts with F and ends in “-ca”.
Middle names for Francisca
A few middle names that flow with Francisca: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Francisca
Similar names
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Lists that include Francisca
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Francisca mean?
Francisca is a Spanish and Portuguese name that means “feminine of Francis, Frenchman”.
What is the origin of the name Francisca?
Francisca has Spanish and Portuguese roots. Francisca is the Spanish and Portuguese feminine of Francisco, from Latin Franciscus, "Frenchman." Its spread owes most to Saint Francis of Assisi, and the feminine form was carried by Saint Frances of Rome and later by Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini, who worked among Italian immigrants in the United States.
Is Francisca a popular name?
Not especially. Francisca ranked #2,969 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Francisca a boy or girl name?
Francisca is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Francisca?
Francisca is usually pronounced fran-SIS-kuh. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings